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Rising stars to watch at the Sochi Olympics

Mikaela Shiffrin celebrates after winning a World Cup slalom on Jan. 15 in Flachau, Austria. She is one of the United States' rising young stars training for next year's Sochi Olympics. Christophe Pallot/Agence Zoom Getty Images

Gracie Gold won silver at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Jan. 26 in Omaha. In March Gold will make her first trip to the world championships competing at the senior level. Guy Rhodes, USA TODAY Sports

Arielle Gold is already a world champion in halfpipe at age 16. Here she is shown waiting in the finish area during the Winter X Games at Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen, Colo., on Jan. 26. Paul Bussi-USA TODAY Sports

Maddie Bowman and David Wise take the podium after winning the U.S. Freeskiing Halfpipe National Championships in Park City, Utah, on Feb. 2. Halfpipe skiing will be added to the Olympic program in Sochi. Doug Pensinger Getty Images

Torin Yater-Wallace looks on as he skis in the qualification heat at the Sprint U.S. Grand Prix at Park City, Utah, on Jan. 31. He was second at the event. He came back from shoulder surgery to win silver at the X Games in January. Doug Pensinger Getty Images

Sarah Hendrickson won the World Cup title last season in women's ski jumping. Here she poses during a World Cup on Feb. 3, 2013 in Sapporo, Japan. Women's ski jumping will make its Olympic debut in Sochi. Atsushi Tomura Getty Images